4 foods that are the nemesis of diabetes

People with diabetes need to be aware of their health condition and adopt a healthy diet with appropriate foods, avoiding sudden spikes in blood sugar.

I am 40 years old and have been diagnosed with high blood sugar for 2 years. My blood sugar levels fluctuate between 6.9 and 7.1 mmol/l 1-2 hours after meals, and I haven't needed medication yet. Every day, I still restrict my diet to white rice, sticky rice, and bread, but my levels haven't decreased. Could you please advise on foods that are good for people with prediabetes? Thank you! (Le Thi Thao - Son Tay, Hanoi )

Traditional medicine practitioner Do Minh Tuan - Hanoi Association of Traditional Medicine advises:

Diabetes is becoming more common in modern life, affecting younger and younger people. It's not uncommon for a 40-year-old to find their blood sugar at 7 mmol/l. You should manage it well to avoid hyperglycemia.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health , Vietnam has approximately 7 million people with diabetes. Of these, more than 55% have complications, including 34% cardiovascular complications; 39.5% eye and nerve complications; and 24% kidney complications.

Diabetes is considered a chronic disease with no cure. Patients must maintain medication and control their diet for life. Preventing and controlling blood sugar levels is extremely important.

4 thực phẩm là khắc tinh của bệnh đái tháo đường - Ảnh 1. — The fats in nuts help control blood sugar. Photo: PV.

Here are some foods considered "enemies" of blood sugar that you can refer to:

First, whole grains

These are considered natural blood sugar stabilizers. These include oats, brown rice, whole-grain bread, etc., which are richer in fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than refined grains.

Fiber, in particular, is excellent for controlling blood sugar, creating a protective layer in the intestines, slowing down sugar absorption, and thus preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar. Those who are not yet sick may reduce their risk of developing the disease by consuming whole grains regularly.

Secondly, healthy fats from plants.

Nuts such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts are rich in healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids), protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Nuts help improve blood lipid levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease – a common complication in people with diabetes. The fiber and high-quality fats in nuts help increase feelings of fullness, reduce cravings for sugary and fatty foods, thereby supporting blood sugar and weight control.

Third, corn silk

Corn silk, a discarded part of the corn cob, is a very beneficial medicinal herb. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and has been shown to be effective in controlling blood sugar and enhancing insulin activity. Corn silk contains flavonoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds that help lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and provide antioxidant benefits.

You can boil corn silk to make a daily drink or combine it with other herbs such as pandan leaves or stevia.

Fourth, bitter melon

Bitter gourd not only helps detoxify the body, is good for the liver, and fights aging, but it is also used as a folk remedy for diabetes. Bitter gourd contains charantin, polypeptide-P, and vicine, which effectively lower blood sugar levels.

For people with diabetes, choosing the right foods to include in their daily diet is key to living a healthy life with the disease.

A good food is one that is consumed in moderation, combined with a healthy lifestyle and increased exercise to achieve the best results in preventing and controlling disease.